Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

The Crime

This weekend, Diamond Cherish Brigman, a 36 year old Black trans woman, was killed in Houston. Diamond died around 1 AM on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The cause of death was multiple gun shot injuries.

Witnesses reported to police that a white 2017 Chevrolet Malibu LT stopped near the victim, who was standing on the side of the road.  A male suspect got out of the vehicle from the front passenger side of the vehicle and fired multiple shots. He then fled the scene in the vehicle driven by another person. 

The front passenger, who was described as approximately 5 ft 5 inches tall, male, thin/medium build, and wearing a gray hooded jacket, got out of the vehicle and shot the Victim multiple times. The Suspect vehicle fled from the scene southbound on Country Creek Street towards Bissonnet.

We are seeking help from the public with this investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Houston Police Department, Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crimestoppers at 713-222-TIPS

Houston Fox26

Honoring Diamond

Diamond was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. She moved to Houston, Texas. Diamond attended the The East Austin College Prep. Recently, she was considering moving back North.

Her social media profiles indicated she was a fan of Jennifer Lopez, Princess Trina, and K Michelle. She also listened to Beyonce and Shakira. Many of Diamond’s recent posts include images of her childhood, including her extended family. I hope those photos bring comfort to her loved ones.

According to Houston based group The Mahogany Project, a witness stayed with Diamond until emergency services arrived. Diamond was a participant in The Mahogany Project.

That chokes me up. Too often, victims in these posts die alone. I wonder if they were lonely or scared. That someone stayed with her in such ugly circumstances says a lot about that person. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for that kindneess.

On her social media, Diamond acknowledged the death of another trans woman, Vonn Capri Mimms who died of COVID-19 in the spring 2023. They were friends. Prior to learning about Diamond, groups like the Trans Does Task Force and TDOR did not have Vonn’s information. This is a simple example why it matters that we try to learn about the lives of the victims.

A vigil has been scheduled for March 24 at 2:30 PM. The location will be at 5300 Caroline Street in Houston.

The Context

Diamond is the fifth trans person whose violent death reported in 2024 to date. She is the third trans woman. Diamond is the first Black trans woman and the second Black trans person. All five victims were BIPOC.

Around this time in 2023, we had reported 7 deaths.

Rest in power, Diamond. You deserved so many more years to savor life and pursue your dreams. I hope you found comfort in the presence of the person who stayed with you. Thank you for the love and beauty you brought to the world.

May your memory be a revolution.

This is our list

This is our list of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming neighbors who have been victims of the campaign of terror in 2024. Please do not copy, modify, or share this list without attribution.

1. Kitty Monroe – January 1, 2024. Phoenix, Arizona. Age 43.
2. Nex Benedict – February 8, 2024. Owasso, Oklahoma. Age 16.
3. Righteous Torrence ‘TK’ Chevy Hill – February 29, Atlanta. Georgia. Age 35.
4. Reyna Hernandez – Between Feb 28 and March 28, location TBD. Age 54.
5. Diamond Cherish Brigman – March 16, 2024, Houston, Texas. Age 36.